Henry Groper built a beach house in Naples, Florida, to be impervious to hurricanes, storm surges, and rising sea levels. The property was priced as though it were in a fire sale, but Henry’s precautions cost more than what he saved. “No sense putting even a little money in something that would be swept away the next season,” he said. First of all, the foundation was built on tank treads, and the home was built like the hull of a ship, watertight, but with walls like a bomb shelter. Windward walls were sloped away from the sea, and the windows were originally intended for a submarine. The house didn’t have doors; it had air locks, like a space station. It had passive solar and self-composting toilets. It had storage for extensive supplies, and the freezer was bigger than most living rooms. The communication room was what you’d expect for a jumbo jet. The house could be cut off from the city but protect its occupants for months. It’s a good thing that Henry and his family were in San Francisco went the storm hit Naples. We think the house is still there, but it sunk into the sand deeper than its highest antenna and Henry’s home insurance wouldn’t pay up because, apparently, the house was still intact.
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